fang

UK: fæŋ | US: fæŋ

Definition
  1. n. a long, sharp tooth, especially of a canine or carnivorous animal

  2. n. the root of a tooth

  3. n. (informal) a fan or enthusiast of something (slang, derived from "fan" + "gang")

Structure
fang <tooth, from Old English "fang">
Etymology

The word "fang" traces back to Old English fang (meaning "capture, grasp, or plunder"), derived from Proto-Germanic fangą. Over time, its meaning narrowed to refer specifically to the sharp teeth used by animals to seize prey, reflecting the original sense of "grasping." The modern slang usage (e.g., "Trekkie fang") is a playful blend of "fan" and "gang," unrelated to the original etymology.

Examples
  1. The wolf bared its fangs as a warning.

  2. The dentist examined the fang for decay.

  3. She’s a total Star Wars fang.

  4. Vampire legends often emphasize their elongated fangs.

  5. The snake’s venom dripped from its fangs.